8/14/2002

＊GM unveiled yesterday its drivable version of fuel cell drive concept vehicle shown recently at Detroit auto show. GM plans to show the vehicle to the public next month at the Paris Motor Show. It is a five-passenger sedan with a range of 70 miles and a top speed of 100 mph. It seems to be of no practical use for some time. But they are developing not only fuel-cell-battery but also style design specialized for having no engine at front. GM is aiming to increase its range to 300 miles and to put it in practical use by about 2010 (a bottom picture from Detroit News dated August 14, 2002.)

* Romantic Trip in Europe (Part 4)

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Ichiro Kitano

Louvre Museum

Although I went there a few times, I did not yet satisfy with myself for having seen many wonderful master works. I will show you only three pictures selected from many shots.

Louis David, an official painter to the Emperor, was given the task of commemorating the Coronation festivities.

Napoleon crowning Empress Josephine while Pope Pius VII gives him his blessing. Ref. above right picture (14).

Eugene Delacroix's "Liberty Leading the People"is very appealing. Ref. bottom left picture (15).

Theodore Gericault painted the utmost limit of people who called for help from a wrecked frigate drifting on rough seas in "The Raft of the 'Medusa'". Ref. bottom right picture (16).


Palace of Versailles

　Louis XIV, known as the Sun King (Le Roi Soleil), spent fifty years for completing the palace of Versailles in 1682. It is a magnificent and extremely luxurious palace. Its interior is decorated with marbles and furnished with gilt ornaments. Ref. bottom left picture (17). Especially, his accomplishments are depicted on the ceiling of the Hall of Mirrors. Ref. bottom right picture (18). The marvelous pictures are painted there. Ref. bottom center picture (19).


Marie Antoinette, who married to a dauphin of Bourbon family from Imperial House of Hapsburg of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the age of 14, became the Empress of Louis XIV at the same time when he became the King. Ref. right picture (20).

However, the extravagant life of royal and noble families provoked people's antipathy resulting in the French Revolution. The Empress and King were caught and a half year after the king was executed, she was guillotined at the Revolution Plaza (present Concord Plaza) on October 16, 1793 at the age of 37. Their coffins are held at Saint Deni's with other French kings and queens. It is located on the outskirt of Paris.

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